Southern Laurel Co. tanning and tobacco store robbed at gunpoint

Laurel County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating the third armed robbery in southern Laurel County within the last week. According to Sheriff John Root, Unique Tanning and Gifts (tobacco store) on U.S. 25W was robbed at gunpoint just before 8 p.m. Friday. The robber reportedly walked to the drive-in window of the shop, pointed a pistol at the attendant and demanded money. He then ran off on foot. The suspect is described as: a white male, tall and thin, 25 to 30 years old, with a goatee and dirty blonde hair. He was wearing a plan blue hoody. Despite the similarities to the two robberies at the BP/Krystal off of exit 29, Root stated that this robbery does not appear to be connect to those. Detective Daryl Zanet is leading the investigation Officers from Corbin Police department and Kentucky State Police assisted. Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff’s office, 606-864-6600 or 606-878-7000. Callers may remain anonymous